S is for Storytelling: If They Don’t Feel It, They Won't Fund It - Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast

Summary3 min read

Nonprofit Mastermind Podcast Summary

Episode: S is for Storytelling: If They Don’t Feel It, They Won't Fund It
Host: Brooke Richie-Babbage
Date: August 23, 2025

Overview of the Episode

In this concise yet impactful episode, Brooke Richie-Babbage explores the pivotal role that storytelling plays in nonprofit fundraising. She emphasizes that while data can justify an organization's importance, it is emotion—and therefore story—that moves people to support a cause. The episode serves as both a mindset shift and a tactical guide, challenging nonprofit leaders to rethink how they craft appeals and rally their communities toward year-end fundraising goals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Power of Story Over Data

Brooke sets the stage by contrasting the persuasive power of stories with the limitations of presenting only data:

"You can present perfect numbers to a donor or a funder and still hear crickets. Why? Because data justifies, but story decides."
[00:57]
She explains that donors are not just looking for numbers; they are searching for a compelling narrative in which they can see themselves as agents of change.

2. What Donors and Funders Need

Brooke outlines the key elements donors and funders are really looking for:

"Donors and funders fund a narrative that they can step into. Who is at stake, what must change and how? Can my gift become the leverage point or the hinge? That's what's going on in their minds now."
[01:18]
She underscores that urgency is created not through pressure, but through emotional resonance, and this resonance aligns all stakeholders—staff, board, and donors—behind a unified emotional truth.

3. The "Arc of 10" Storytelling Framework

Brooke introduces a simple but powerful structure to help nonprofit leaders draft compelling appeals:

"Here's your micro action for today. Draft your appeal with the arc of 10. What I call the arc of 10 is a quick and dirty way to make sure that you are bringing your donors and your funders on a journey."
[02:03]
The Arc of 10 includes these key story elements:
- Hook: Grab attention right away
- Stakes: Who is at risk; what's urgent
- Barrier: What stands in the way
- Your Choice: The donor’s ability to influence the outcome
- Change: The difference their gift will make
- One Person’s Journey: A specific, relatable narrative
- The Invitation: A clear and inspiring call to action
She urges listeners to read their draft aloud:

"Read it aloud and if you don't feel anything, neither will your donors."
[02:34]

4. Implementation and Additional Resources

Brooke directs listeners to her website for a free mini guide on crafting stories, as well as her "Get More Donors toolkit" to help convert stories into donations—especially relevant as organizations approach year-end ([02:46]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

"Data justifies, but story decides." — Brooke Richie-Babbage [00:59]
"Donors and funders fund a narrative that they can step into. Who is at stake, what must change and how? Can my gift become the leverage point or the hinge?" — Brooke Richie-Babbage [01:18]
"Story creates urgency without pressure. It aligns your staff, your board and your donors and funders around the same emotional truth, which is the foundation of a strong fundraising ask." — Brooke Richie-Babbage [01:33]
"Draft your appeal with the arc of 10... bringing your donors and your funders on a journey." — Brooke Richie-Babbage [02:03]
"Read it aloud and if you don't feel anything, neither will your donors." — Brooke Richie-Babbage [02:34]

Timestamps for Key Segments

00:57 — Data vs. Story: Why numbers alone aren’t enough
01:18 — What donors look for in effective storytelling
01:33 — Creating urgency and alignment through story
02:03 — The "Arc of 10" framework explained
02:34 — The importance of emotional resonance when testing your appeal
02:46 — Where to access additional resources and toolkits

Tone & Style

Brooke's tone is both inspiring and practical, offering actionable insights while fostering a sense of empowerment for nonprofit leaders seeking to strengthen their fundraising efforts through intentional and emotive storytelling.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the nonprofit sector looking to enhance their fundraising strategy with the power of story.

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Transcript2 lines

[00:00]
A
Welcome to Design youn Strongest year ever, a 26 day special edition of the nonprofit Mastermind podcast. I'm your host, Rukruchi Babbage. I created this series because I believe that how your year ends is determined by what you do now in August, not in November. My work is rooted in the idea that intentional design, not more hustle, is what determines how far your mission can scale. So every day I'll share one very simple but very powerful lesson shift or tool you can use right now to prepare yourself for year end and for each one. If you sign up for the emails that go with these episodes, I've created a worksheet or prompt. You can collect them as you go and have a whole bundle. Finally, if the day's topic hits a nerve, I'll point you towards the most relevant of my implementation toolkits. For the length of this series, I'm offering 26% off all purchases. Let's dive in.
[00:58]
B
You can present perfect numbers to a donor or a funder and still hear crickets. Why? Because data justifies, but story decides. Donors and funders fund a narrative that they can step into. Who is at stake, what must change and how? Can my gift become the leverage point or the hinge? That's what's going on in their minds now. This matters because story creates urgency without pressure. It aligns your staff, your board and your donors and funders around the same emotional truth, which is the foundation of a strong fundraising ask, a strong fundraising relationship and a strong fundraising campaign. So here's your micro action for today. Draft your appeal with the arc of 10. What I call the arc of 10 is a quick and dirty way to make sure that you are bringing your donors and your funders on a journey. Hook stakes barrier your choice, meaning the donor the choice to make the change that will come because of the choice one person's journey. This is a story and the invitation, right? Those are the parts of your arc. Draft this, read it aloud and if you don't feel anything, neither will your donors in today's email that goes along with this series. Brookricchiebabbage.com ABCStrategies you can find my story arc mini guide and if you want to translate your story into dollars, grab my Get More Donors toolkit which will help you say the right thing to the right people so you start attracting the right donors, particularly as you head into year end fundraising season.